The Central Drakensberg is known for its remarkable landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and warm country hospitality. It is also home to a growing live music community that is adding even more charm to the region. One of the most heartening local success stories is that of the Mountain Music Club, a group formed out of a shared passion for music and a desire to create more opportunities for live performance in the area.
In the latter part of 2021, a small group of musicians and music enthusiasts came together with a simple but meaningful idea. They wanted to create a platform that would promote live music performance and encourage greater appreciation for it in the Central Drakensberg. From that idea, the Mountain Music Club was born.
The founding members were Dave and Gill Atkinson, Matt Alport, Andrew Versfeld, Lorna Culwick, Fred Knowles, and Nick Greville. Their first meeting was held at the Wits End venue at the end of September 2021. When changes in management at the venue meant a move was necessary, the club relocated to Mac’s Cafe at the Cedarwood Lifestyle Centre, where it continues to welcome musicians and music lovers alike.
Since those early days, the Mountain Music Club has gone from strength to strength. The club now hosts monthly meetings, usually on the last Saturday of each month, and these gatherings have become a much-anticipated part of the local calendar. Guest musicians are often invited to headline, creating evenings filled with talent, atmosphere, and the shared enjoyment that only live music can bring.
What makes the Mountain Music Club particularly special is its commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. A central aim of the club is to mentor and encourage young musicians, helping them to develop their skills and gain confidence in front of an audience. In doing so, the club is not only supporting individual artists, but also helping to build a stronger and more vibrant music culture in the region.
At the same time, the club plays an important role in encouraging audiences to value and support live performance. In smaller communities, spaces for musicians to grow often depend on both enthusiastic listeners and venues willing to host events. By creating a regular platform for artists and audiences to come together, the Mountain Music Club is helping to strengthen both sides of that relationship.
Funds raised through the club are used in practical and meaningful ways. They help pay visiting artists and also go towards acquiring much-needed sound equipment, ensuring that performances can continue to improve and expand over time. It is a community-driven effort that reflects the spirit of the Central Drakensberg itself, supportive, welcoming, and rooted in a love for shared experiences.
For visitors to the area, events like these offer something truly memorable. A stay in the Drakensberg is already rich with scenic beauty, fresh mountain air, and outdoor adventure, but local music evenings add another layer to the experience. They offer a chance to connect with the people, talent, and creative energy that make this region so distinctive.
At The Nest Hotel, we always value the people and organisations that help make the Central Drakensberg such a vibrant destination. The Mountain Music Club is a wonderful example of local passion turned into something lasting and meaningful. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast, a supporter of local talent, or simply someone who enjoys an evening of live entertainment, the club extends a warm welcome to all.
So next time you are planning a getaway to the Central Drakensberg, consider timing your visit to enjoy one of these special monthly gatherings. Come and listen, appreciate, and encourage musicians young and old, inexperienced and veteran, and discover yet another reason why this part of the world is such a special place to visit.